Should You Tip the Housekeeping Staff at a Hotel?
Tipping housekeepers, bellmen, concierge staff and others in a luxury hotel is a topic even experienced travelers ask about. How should staff be tipped? How often should you tip them? How much should you tip?
Robin at AAA New England says "Housekeeping receives $3-$4 a day, only if you choose to tip. You should tip daily, because staff changes. Leave cash in a sealed envelope (most hotels offer stationery and envelopes in guest rooms), and write "for the chambermaid" on it. You may put the cash in the hand of whomever you're tipping. Tip the bellman about $2 for each bag, or more. Tip the concierge depending on how hard he worked for you. For example, if you want to have dinner in an exclusive restaurant and can't get the reservation yourself, tip the concierge $5 -$10 if they get you in..depending where you are, the money you leave may be very appreciated. When I was in Mexico five years ago, I left $10 with the housekeeper. She started to cry and hugged me so hard. Workers are paid really low wages, our tips are so great to them."
Julie Clarke of Kyoto, Japan explains: "In Japan, hotel staff don't expect tips. Performing optimally is expected. Staff are proud of their work! They will bow to you, and refuse the tip!"
Additional reporting provided by Carl Benjamin.
This post was contributed via Seed.com, AOL's new platform for freelance writers.






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